If you’re wondering what type of birthday party ideas you’ll be seeing on the party circuit this year, we’ve done the research for you
When it comes time to plan your kids’ birthday bash, it’s enough to try and figure out the cake, the games, and the party favors. The last thing you need to worry about is the party theme. No worries. From the hot new TikTok birthday party ideas to the still-popular Princess and Superhero party themes, we’ve got the goods on the hottest kids’ birthday party ideas for 2023.
Super Mario Bros. Party Theme
The new Super Mario Bros. movie has just hit the theaters, and the classic Nintendo game never goes out of style, so we think this birthday party idea will be even more popular this summer. Get inspired with tons of ideas over at Kara's Party Ideas.
Active Parties
Booking some time at a ropes course, zipline or even a rock-climbing venue is definitely a kids' birthday party theme that'll still be strong in 2023. Whether it's indoors during hotter months or at an outdoor adventure park, kids are always ready to burn off some steam. While most of these courses tend to be for children ages 8 and up, it can sometimes depend on kids' comfort levels. It's always good to let parents know in advance, usually a necessity because waivers need to be signed and grownups need to have some kind of activity alternative for kids who decide against it at the last minute (including the birthday kid) like a simple art or hands-on craft. Most places will have a party room for rent.
Spa Party
Who wouldn't want to celebrate their birthday with a full spa treatment? Drop cucumber slices in water, offer cozy robes and slippers, and twirl their hair up in a towel for a day of pampering that includes manicures, pedicures, and facial masks.
Video Game Truck Parties
If you have a game-obsessed kiddo at home, consider renting a video game truck to show up for a few hours. This birthday party idea has been popping up more in the last year or so, and we expect it to be even bigger this year.
Unicorn Parties
Unicorns are back as one of the most popular birthday party ideas for kids in 2023, although they still might not be getting the same amount of love that llamas are at the moment. Get some ethereal inspiration from San Diego's Starry Eyed Events' gorgeous Elegant Pastel Unicorn Soiree gallery (because, you know, unicorns don't do parties. They do soirees).
Want to keep young unicorn lovers busy? Try this DIY unicorn horn headband that is an absolute must for your little guests.
Encanto Birthday Party
That's right—we're still going to talk about Bruno! Encanto remains a hot birthday party idea for the little ones this year. So order up an entire array of Encanto-theme supplies right from Amazon including banners and cupcake toppers, add bright balloons, and serve up an array of authentic Colombian party food and appetizers sure to be a hit with the kids. And with the March 18 release of the Disney Encanto Sing-Along, the entertainment took care of itself.
Related: 15 Birthday Party Favors for $5 or Less
TikTok Birthday Party
This birthday party theme was huge in 2022, and we expect the trend to get even bigger this year. Play “name that TikToker,” try a (safe) TikTok challenge, do TikTok dances, and make a TikTok with your party guests. Click here for more ideas.
Space-Themed Parties
Whether your space-loving kid knows all the facts or is a budding astronaut, 2023 is the year for out-of-this-world parties. Gear up with decor, space-themed activities, and cosmic cake to celebrate the big day. You can even go for a glow-in-the-dark-themed galactic bash.
Outdoor Movie Night
A classic party theme that everyone loves! This one takes warmer weather and the right equipment, so check out our ideas for an indoor movie party if you plan to do this during the colder months. Or do your own version of the Academy Awards for your tweens and let them vote between two or three. Check out our best ideas for outdoor movie nights and don't forget to pick a movie from our list of the best 100+ movies for kids.
Sonic the Hedgehog Party
Does your little gamer love Sonic? Turns out, a lot of other people's kiddos dig the feisty blue hedgehog, too. Find a plethora of Sonic birthday party supplies on Amazon and entertain your high-tech party guests with this Sonic toss game that doesn't require any screen time.
Glamping Parties
Okay, so maybe your child loves a good indoor fort or tent, but the Great Outdoors isn't an option for a party venue. A fun birthday party idea for 2023 is an at-home glamping party! Arrange for a glamping scavenger hunt, a hot dog charcuterie board, plenty of ingredients for s'mores, and even kid friendly ghost stories.
Escape Room Birthday
If you're looking to entertain the always-hard-to-please teens and tweens or give younger kids a challenge, an escape room birthday party can provide hours of entertainment (and boost critical thinking skills). Either plan your celebration at a professionally-crafted escape room game spot in your neighborhood or create a DIY escapist birthday party at home.
Minecraft Party
Minecraft is still a popular theme for older kids who enjoy playing the game. You can DIY it with cool ideas like the ones we spotted over at Spaceships & Laser Beams, or buy supplies from Walmart or Amazon.
Mermaid Birthday Party
Mermaids still reign as a popular birthday party idea! The magical gals make for the perfect theme with ethereal decor and food. Need some inspo? Head to Pink Cake Plate for some adorable under-the-sea ideas, including Mermaid Muddy Buddies.
Gender-Neutral Party Themes
Sonic, LEGO, and Superheros—2023 will see tons of gender-neutral party themes. Ideas surrounding food, non-pink and blue colors, and gender-inclusive activities all make for fun parties on the horizon.
Related: Gender-Neutral Party Favors That Totally Rock
Lateovers
Instead of a sleepover, why not a lateover? Perfect for younger kids or kids who aren't ready to make the jump to a whole night, invite friends over around dinner time, and plan fun "night time" activities like karaoke, a dance party, glow-in-the-dark games, outdoor games you can play in the dark or even crafts.
Next-Level Princess Parties
There are three secret ingredients to pulling off this party: tulle, gold glitter, and a princess kit cake from Cakest. Skip on over to Mint Event Design to see more inspiring pictures. And check out our review of Cakest and other DIY baking kits.
Trampoline Park Parties
Don’t tell us you haven’t spent a Saturday at a trampoline park recently. This is one of the hottest places to host a kid’s birthday these days. The best part? There are plenty of opportunities for your guests to get their wiggles out all at once!
Superhero Party
Whether it's Justice League or Marvel, a superhero birthday is always a blast. Set out different superhero costumes, and let your guests choose their powerful persona upon arrival or have them come dressed as their favorite superhero for an awesome superhero bash!
Baking Party
Decorate cupcakes, cookies, you name it! Set out different colored icings and sprinkles and watch what crafty creations they cook up! Let them decorate their own aprons and even wear chef hats! For more sweet-themed fun, watch Willy Wonka or Ratatouille.
Star Wars Birthday Party
The Star Wars franchise may be decades old, but the force is still going strong thanks to The Mandalorian, Andor, and the Star Wars attractions at Disney parks. Young Jedi will love this party plan that includes DIY lightsabers, a droid-decorating station, and a Death Star piñata from Spaceships and Laser Beams.
Want something female-centric for your budding Rey? This Millennium Falcon party from Kara's Party Ideas will get your little girls ready for action.
Related: 7 Birthday Party Hacks That Will Save Your Sanity
Art Party
Ditch the nice clothes and let your kids get messy! Our original messy art party uses squirt guns, mega-canvases, shaving cream, and paint-filled eggs to get kids' creative juices flowing.
Harry Potter Birthday
The wizarding world is just as popular as ever. Dust off some witch hats before Halloween, have wands at the ready, and make golden snitches from Ferrero Roche chocolates! Activities can include playing some Harry Potter bingo or trivia, making potions, and drinking delicious butterbeer.
